Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

5-2000

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Education

Major Professor

Wendell Liemohn

Abstract

The results of previous studies indicate decreased static balance, less perceived safety and increased injurious falls among neuropathic diabetics. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between diabetic neuropathy, dynamic balance performance, falls and fear of falling among a diabetic sample population. Fourteen neuropathic diabetics (DM-NP), non- neuropathic diabetics (DM) and controls were assessed on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) Timed Up & Go (TUG), fall history and fear of falling.

The results of this study demonstrate significant differences on TUG and BBS performance between DM-NPs and controls, between DM-NPs and non-neuropathic participants and between diabetics and controls. There was a significant difference between DMs and controls on BBS performance. There was no significant difference on TUG and BBS performance between DM-NPs and DMs. Performance on BBS item 14 (single leg stance) was significantly different among all groups. Performance on TUG and BBS was not associated with number of reported falls and fall category (high and low fallers) among diabetics. Diabetics reporting two or more falls in the past year performed more poorly on BBS item 8 (stand and reach), item 12 (alternately placing foot on stool), and item 14 than diabetics reporting one or no falls in the past year. There was no association between fear of falling and diabetic neuropathy, fall history and fall category. There was an association between fear and clinical balance performance.

The ability of BBS items to differentiate high and low fallers among diabetics may prove useful in identifying diabetics at risk for falls. Studies of dynamic balance among diabetics should allow for the potentially confounding influence of fear of falling.

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